Review: Indesit IDC8T3B White

A basic dryer with some handy features. Safety issues have been resolved.

If you want a relatively inexpensive condenser tumble dryer that dries quickly then have a think about the Indesit IDC8T3B.

Review:

This model was the focus of a fire risk scare a couple of years ago, but this problem has now been fixed and it is considered completely safe. With dimensions of 59.5 cm (W) x 85 cm (H) x 61 cm (D) and a maximum drying load of 8 kg, it’s suitable for medium-sized households. As a condenser dryer the moisture removed from your load gets collected in a container that has to be removed and emptied. The IDC8T3B’s condenser mechanics function very well, so you won’t be left with condensation on your mirrors and windows after a cycle.

The Indesit has a couple of handy features, the most useful perhaps being the reverse tumble drying action, which prevents clothes from getting bunched up and overly creased; a lot of your clothes and fabrics won’t even need ironing. It’s got a nice wide door for easy access and a refresh cycle for freshening up dry clothes that may have been in storage too long. It’s also got a timed drying option for added control and, crucially, a ‘water tank full’ indicator to let you know when it needs emptying.

This machine is quick to dry and also produces a good even finish – you shouldn’t find too many wet socks amongst your t-shirts. The cycle duration, on a standard cotton programme, takes 135 minutes with a full 8kg load, but man-made materials take even longer. The energy efficiency rating is B and the noise output is a slightly high 68 decibels – the equivalent of standing 50 feet from a motorway.

What’s hot:

Rapid drying

Even finish

Useful ‘refresh’ cycle

What’s not:

Slower with man-made fibres

Noisy

Quite basic

Why you should buy it:

UK buyers should plump for the Indesit IDC8T3B if they want a condenser tumble dryer that delivers crease-free fabrics quickly and evenly. It lacks a lot of mod cons, but gets the basics right.